Whangarei Girls' High School 1 redeemed themselves this week with a creditable game against second ranked Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 with a near upset.
WGHS 1 were only down by 6 goals at half time and won the third quarter to make the difference just 5 goals. The final score was 57 goals to 42 with the Fideliter defensive really stepping it up in the final quarter. For Fideliter 1, goal keep Trina Harris Ruke and Rowena Davis Cooper (goal defence) stood out.
Alisha Takimoana's height at wing defence made it difficult for the WGHS players to get the ball through the court. Kate Te Whata and Arona Tipene combined well in the shooting circle. For WGHS 1, Shannon George at goal keep picked up numerous intercepts. Olivia Lobb at goal attack and Jacinta Matson at wing attack did a volume of work in the mid court and combined well.
It was an aerial and skilled game between Northland Coastal Development Whangaruru 1 and Manawanui White.
However, Whangaruru capitalised on errors in the first half to lead by 13 goals and 17 by the end of the third quarter. Manawanui White however had a big final quarter and clawed it back to 52-60.
Whangaruru 1's defensive unit of Reanon Hetaraka Sadler and Liahona Hebden was formidable and combined well with Jaimee Lee Tito at centre. Adelaide Campbell in the mid court created intercepts for the circle defence and was the link through court for the attacks. There was strong shooting from Morgan Taurua and Jude Campbell but this was not able to be maintained in the final quarter. For Manawanui White, Jade Telfer at goal keep and Cherith Schragg at goal defence provided strong circle defence and proved a solid combination, particularly in the second half. In the mid court there was strong play throughout the game by Sian Telfer at centre.
Jaelyn Walker at goal shoot went from strength to strength and used good body position to obtain vital ball, ably backed up by Grace Cooper at goal attack.
Treewise Marist 1 and Manawanui Red fought out a competitive game after a close first quarter had Marist ahead by 3.
By third quarter time this had extended to 10 goals. Manawanui Red had a strong final quarter and Marist 1 was only able to increase their lead by a goal to win 52-40. For Marist 1, Kelly Middleton at goal keep and Helen Francis at goal defence were outstanding. Harmony Kingi at wing defence worked tirelessly and brought the ball through the court well. Nicky Taylor at goal shoot put in a solid performance.
For Manawanui Red, Hayley Thompson at goal keep worked hard and helped free the ball up on attack. In the mid court Sharrell Toka, playing up from the Collegiate team, played an excellent game at wing attack then centre. Ringi Hohepa at goal shoot worked the circle well.
Meanwhile, Potter Electrical Onerahi 1 came to play this week and the team operated as a unit in their game against Active Refrigeration Fideliter 2. Onerahi 1 dominated from start to finish and except for a close first quarter they kept Fideliter 2 to single figures. For Onerahi 1, Marcie Cooke in defence had a strong and solid game, making it hard for the Fideliter 2 shooters.
At the opposite end of the court Sherryn Schragg and Stacey Griffiths proved a great combination with some nice plays and consistent shooting. For Fideliter 2, Danielle Kirby at centre had a consistent game and was strong on attack. Trina Henare, player coach at goal attack shot consistently and marshalled the troops directing play. Harona Te Iringa on at goal keep in the second quarter played a good defensive game. Onerahi 1 won 57 goals to 28.
Educare North Premier Results
Northland Coastal Development Whangaruru 60 vs Manawanui White 52; Potter Electrical Onerahi 1 57 vs Active Refrigeration Fideliter 2 28; Treewise Marist 52 vs Manawanui Red 40; Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 57 vs WGHS 1 42.